One of my favorite "choruses" in the 70's was the song, "I have decided to follow Jesus....no turning back, no turning back". As a youth, I would request this chorus or praise song :) on Sunday nights at my little Baptist Church and when the piano would start playing the intro, I prepared my vocal chords to burst out the lyrics. This was the cry from the depths of my spirit, soul and body~ all three were in unison "I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS....NO TURNING BACK, NO TURNING BACK".

I recently read a story of the Spanish conqueror Cortez which reminded me of the intentional decision I made all those years ago. After landing on the shores of Mexico, Cortez destroyed his fleet. He was saying to himself and to all:

I'm here. This is the place I have been seeking all my life! And I'm not going back! There is no "back". Building my life here in this place, with these people is my destiny.

Cortez realized the absoluteness of his actions. He was sending a clear message of his intentions to any of his men who had thoughts of retreat. His commitment was clear to all. It was total. And it made a difference in how he approached his new life. He was not half-hearted or double-minded. He was in for the long haul, having closed his only escape route.

When we make a commitment to follow Jesus, do we destroy any & all "fleets" that could take us "back"? Choose today to follow Jesus with a whole-hearted commitment...no double-mindedness...no more escape routes...sing the chorus with me "I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS...NO TURNING BACK, NO TURNING BACK."